Actuation handle with access control system

Abstract

An actuation handle (4) for attaching to an outside of a door (2) has an access control system designed to control a motorized lock, that contains an evaluation unit and a reader (8) for reading and identifying a transponder located in a first detection range (12) defined by the reader (8). The reader (8) is integrated in the actuation handle (4). There is also a sensor (10) for detecting an object located in a second detection range (14) defined by the sensor (10), which is coupled to the evaluation unit and integrated in the actuation handle (4). The sensor (10) is located on a first section (16) of the actuation handle (4), and the second detection range (14) extends outward from the first section (16). The evaluation unit is configured to activate the sensor (10) to detect an object in the second detection range (14) after identifying a transponder.

Claims

1. An actuation handle (4) for attaching to an outside of a door (2), comprising an access control system (82) designed to control a motorized lock, that has an evaluation unit (84) and a reader (8) for reading and identifying a transponder located in a first detection range (12) defined by the reader (8), characterized in that the reader (8) is integrated in the actuation handle (4), and a sensor (10) for detecting a non-contact gesture by an object (15) located in a second detection range (14) defined by the sensor (10) is coupled to the evaluation unit (84) and integrated in the actuation handle (4), wherein the sensor (10) is located on a first section (16) of the actuation handle (4), and the second detection range (14) extends outward from the first section (16), wherein the evaluation unit (84) is configured to activate the sensor (10) to detect the non-contact gesture by the object (15) in the second detection range (14) after the transponder has been identified.

2. The actuation handle (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the reader (8) is located in a first housing (32) and forms a first assembly (30).

3. The actuation handle (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the reader (8) is cast in a resin in the first housing.

4. The actuation handle (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuation handle (4) is rod-shaped, at least in sections, and has a first end (16) and a second opposing end, wherein the first section (16) is on the first end (16).

5. The actuation handle (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuation handle (4) has a main axis of extension (20), and the second detection range (14) is parallel to the main axis of extension (20).

6. The actuation handle (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor (10) extends at least in part out of the actuation handle (4).

7. The actuation handle (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor (10) is an ultrasonic sensor.

8. The actuation handle (4) according to claim 1, characterized by a light (72) that emits light in the second detection range (14) during the detection procedure.

9. The actuation handle (4) according to claim 8, characterized in that the light (72) is coupled to the sensor (10).

10. The actuation handle (4) according to claim 8, characterized in that a lens (74) focuses the light emitted by the light (72) to form a light spot (24).

11. The actuation handle (4) according to claim 8, characterized in that the sensor (10) and the light (72) are located in a second housing (58) and form a second assembly (56).

12. The actuation handle (4) according to claim 11, characterized in that the second housing (58) fits in an interior space in the actuation handle (4).

13. The actuation handle (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the reader (8) and/or the sensor (10) are/is secured in a hollow chamber (6) in the actuation handle (4) by clamping or screwing.

14. The actuation handle (4) according to claim 13, characterized in that the actuation handle (4) has through holes (42) through which a tool can be inserted into the hollow chamber (6) to drive screws (40, 62) to clamp or release the reader (8) and/or sensor (10).

15. The actuation handle (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the reader (8) has an active surface (50), which lies in cut-out (52) in the actuation handle (4) and is flush with an outer surface of the actuation handle (4).

16. The actuation handle of claim 1, wherein the non-contact gesture is the object entering the second detection range.

17. The actuation handle of claim 16, wherein: the sensor is located at an end of the actuation handle; the actuation handle (4) has a main axis of extension (20); and the second detection range (14) is parallel to the main axis of extension (20).

18. The actuation handle of claim 17, wherein the reader has a first detection range in which the transponder carried by a user can be identified.

19. The actuation handle of claim 18, wherein the evaluation unit generates a motorized lock opening signal when the non-contact gesture is detected by the sensor and wherein the non-contact gesture is independent of the surface characteristics of the object.

20. The actuation handle of claim 19, wherein the actuation handle is configured to be attached to the outside of a door of a building.

21. A door arrangement comprising: the door for a building, the door having an outside, the door having a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end being positioned between a ground and the top end when mounted to the door; and the actuation handle of claim 17, the actuation handle being mounted to the outside of the door, the second detection range being directed away from the top end of the door and towards the ground.

22. The door arrangement of claim 21, wherein the actuation handle further includes a light (72) that emits light in the second detection range (14) during the detection procedure, the emitted light is directed away from the top end of the door and towards the ground.

Description

(1) Further features, details and advantages of the invention can be derived from the wording of the claims and the following description of exemplary embodiments, based on the drawings. Therein:

(2) FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c show an actuation handle on a door;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a partially transparent section of an actuation handle with a reader integrated therein;

(4) FIGS. 3a and 3b show a reader with a housing and electrical lines in two different views;

(5) FIGS. 4a to 4c show different cross section variations for the actuation handle in illustrations that show an active surface on the reader;

(6) FIGS. 5a and 5b show a section of the actuation handle with a sensor installed therein;

(7) FIGS. 6a and 6b show an exploded view of a second assembly containing a sensor and a light; and

(8) FIGS. 7a to 7c show a schematic illustration of an access control system with a reader and a sensor integrated in the actuation handle.

(9) FIG. 1a shows an outside of a door 2, e.g. in the form of house door. An actuation handle 4 is located thereon in the form of a rod-shaped handle, which is perpendicular on the door 2. The actuation handle 4 has a hollow chamber 6 indicated in FIG. 1b, in which a reader 8 and a sensor 10 are located.

(10) The reader 8 and the sensor 10 are components of an access control system. This is configured to initiate the opening of a motorized lock by reading and identifying transponders and subsequently detecting an object with the sensor 10. The reader 8 has a first detection range 12, in which a transponder carried by a user can be read. The sensor 10 has a second detection range 14, in which the presence of an object can be detected after identifying a transponder authorized for the opening. The sensor 10 can be broadly understood to be an input means, which can be triggered by a gesture with a foot or hand, and actually activates the opening of a motorized lock.

(11) In this illustration of the actuation handle 4, the second detection range can extend outward from a first end 16 forming the first section of the actuation handle 4. The second detection range is concentrated, by way of example, on a basically cylindrical, conical, or club-shaped region extending outward from the sensor 10. As a result of the orientation of the sensor 10, a direction of extension 18 for the second detection range 14 is generated, which is substantially aligned with a main axis of extension 20 of the actuation handle 4. In this illustration, the second detection range 14 consequently reaches from a lower end of the actuation handle 4 to a floor 22 in front of the door 2. If an object enters this detection range 14, shown by way of example as a foot, or shoe in the enlargement shown in FIG. 1c, this object can be recognized by the sensor 10.

(12) To indicate the second detection range 14 and the activation of the sensor 10 in an intuitive manner to a user, there is a lamp (not shown herein) that projects a light spot 24 onto the floor 22. The configuration of the aforementioned components shall be explained in greater detail in reference to the other figures.

(13) FIG. 2 shows a recess in the actuation handle 4, in which a reader 8 is integrated. By way of example, the actuation handle 4 has a cross section that is curved on one side but flat on the other side. The curved side can face the door 2 in the installed state, such that the flat side 28 then faces away from the door 2. As a matter of course, the actuation handle 4 could also have another cross section.

(14) It can be seen in this illustration that the reader 8 forms a closed unit, referred to below as the first assembly 30, which is integrated in the actuation handle 4. The first assembly 30 has a first housing 32, which encompasses the reader 8. There are threaded holes 38 on two ends 34 and 36, into which screws are threaded. The actuation handle 4 also has through holes 42 on its curved side 26, each of which are aligned with the threaded holes 38, through which a user can insert a tool for turning the screws 40. If the screws 40 are screwed outward from the respective threaded holes 38, they come in contact with an inner surface of the actuation handle 4, thus clamping the first housing 32 in the hollow chamber 6. This ensures not only a reliable securing of the reader, but also provides a simple means for disassembly.

(15) FIG. 3a shows an enlargement of the first assembly 30. It can be seen therein that the first housing 32 is significantly larger than is needed to actually accommodate the reader 8. Electrical connecting lines 44 are shown, which extend outward from the interior of the housing 32. By way of example, there are notches 46 in which the connecting lines 44 can be placed, as well as a clamp 48 that can be inserted into the first housing 32 to secure the connecting lines 44 on the first housing 32. The first housing 32 is filled with a casting resin in order to seal the reader 8 and encapsulate the entire first assembly 30. As a result, the reader is irreversibly, fully encompassed in a watertight sheath, and is reliably protected from mechanical effects. When encapsulating the first housing 32, the clamps 48 seal the first housing 32. The first housing 32 can substantially form a basin, one side of which is open, and all other sides of which are closed.

(16) The reader 8 can have a dedicated active surface 50, shown on a lid in FIG. 3b, which should not be covered when integrated in the actuation handle, in order to maintain a sufficient range. The active surface 50, which can be referred to as the viewing surface, extends from the first housing 32. It is advantageous if the active surface 50 lies in a corresponding recess in the actuation handle 4.

(17) FIG. 4a shows a subsection of the actuation handle 4 in a three dimensional illustration. A recess 52 can be seen therein, that passes through the actuation handle 4 on its flat side 28. The active surface 50 of the reader 8 can be inserted backwards therein. It should be noted here that the active surface 50 is preferably located on the first assembly 30 such that the flat side 28 and the active surface 50 are flush to one another. This results in a harmonious surface design, that does not disrupt the visual appearance of the actuation handle 4.

(18) An additional sealing ring 54 can also be placed between the active surface 50 and the recess 52. The visible part of the sealing ring 54 at the recess 52 can be narrower than in the hollow chamber 6, such that it presses against the recess 52 from the inside when the first assembly 30 is clamped securely in place, but cannot pass through, due to the design, such that the sealing ring 54 appears to be flush therewith.

(19) As explained above, the actuation handle 4 can take different forms, which are shown in FIGS. 4b and 4c. FIG. 4b shows an actuation handle 4 with a substantially rectangular cross section. FIG. 4c shows a classic, entirely cylindrical cross section, as is often used with rod handles. Although the active surface 50 in the variations shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b can have the same design, the active surface 50 is curved in the variation shown in FIG. 4c.

(20) FIGS. 5a and 5b show a second assembly 56 that is to be positioned on the first end 16 of the actuation handle 4 and contains the sensor 10 located therein. There is a second housing 58 for this, which fits into the hollow chamber 6 in the actuation handle 4. It can therefore be inserted through an opening in the first end 16 of the actuation handle 4. There is also a threaded hole 60 here for securing it, in which a screw 62 is located. This is preferably a counter-sunk screw. As a result, the second housing, and consequently the second assembly 56, can also be secured in the hollow chamber 6 in the actuation handle 4.

(21) To seal the transition between the inner wall of the actuation handle 4 and the second assembly 56, the second housing 58 has a circumferential groove 64 in which an appropriately shaped sealing ring is placed. It should be noted that the groove 64 and the sealing ring are designed such that the sealing ring is securely retained by the groove 64, such that it is not removed or sheared when the second assembly 56 is inserted into the hollow chamber 6. A sealing ring 66 is shown in FIG. 5b that is retained entirely in the groove 64, and bears on the inner surface of the hollow chamber 6.

(22) Additionally, the second assembly 56 is shown in an exploded view with the separate second housing 58 in FIGS. 6a and 6b. The second housing 58 has a first receiving space 68 for the sensor 10. This sensor is located by way of example on a printed circuit board 70, which also contains a sensor evaluation circuit. A lamp 72 is also indicated by a broken line, which is likewise on the printed circuit board 70, next to the sensor 10. This lamp 72 can be coupled electrically to the sensor 10 or the printed circuit board 70, such that when the sensor 10 is active, the lamp 72 is also on, and emits light.

(23) There is a lens 74 for focusing the light, which can be placed in a second receiving space 76. This space is next to the first receiving space 68 in the second housing 58. When the sensor 10 and lens 74 are placed in the corresponding receiving spaces 68 and 72, the printed circuit board 70 is flush with the second housing 58. The lamp 72 can be a light emitting diode soldered to the printed circuit board 70, which has a first lens 73. By way of example, this can be placed in a mount 78 on the printed circuit board 70. The lens 74, mount 78, and first lens 72 can be preassembled in a lens tube 79.

(24) By way of example, an electrical connector 80 is placed on the printed circuit board 70 on a side facing away from the sensor 10 and the lamp 72. The connector 80 can be coupled to a superordinate system. The printed circuit board 70 can also contain a sensor evaluation circuit that controls the sensor 10 and the lamp 72, and evaluates signals or data provided, in particular, by the sensor 10. The sensor evaluation circuit is preferably configured to detect an object in the second detection range from the raw signals. A signal can then be provided via the electrical connector 80, indicating that a corresponding object has been detected. As a result, it is not necessary to send all of the signals form the sensor 10 to a superordinate unit for processing.

(25) FIGS. 7a, 7b, and 7c also show a highly simplified construction of an access control system, formed by the reader 8, sensor 10, and an evaluation unit 84. The evaluation unit 84 is connected to the reader 8, or forms a part thereof. It can compare the input data from a transponder, for example, with data from a stored data set from transponders authorized for access, and determine whether the transponder in the first detection range is a transponder authorized for access.

(26) If a transponder authorized for access is identified, the evaluation unit 84 can activate the sensor 10 for detecting an object in the second detection range. It can then send a signal indicating this detection to the evaluation unit 84, or it can transmit raw data or raw signals for evaluation in the evaluation unit 84.

(27) The sensor 10 and the evaluation unit 84 can be connected directly to one another, or via a serial connection through the reader 8. A wired connection is conceivable. Alternatively, a wireless connection is also conceivable. If a wireless connection is to be used, the evaluation unit 84 and the sensor must be equipped with corresponding connection devices, e.g. transmitters and receivers.

(28) The sensor 10 can be powered by a long-life battery or via electrical lines.

(29) The reader 8 can also be connected directly or indirectly to the evaluation unit 84. The reader is then preferably supplied with power via electrical lines. In the case of a wireless connection, corresponding connection devices, e.g. transmitters and receivers, are also necessary.

(30) The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and instead can be used in a number of ways.

(31) All of the features, advantages, including constructive details, spatial arrangements and method steps that can be derived from the claims, description, and drawings, may be substantial to the invention in and of themselves or in various combinations thereof.

(32) TABLE-US-00001 List of Reference Symbols  2 door  4 actuation handle  6 hollow chamber  8 reader 10 sensor 12 first detection range 14 second detection range 15 object 16 first end/first section 18 direction of extension of the second detection range 20 main axis of extension 22 floor 24 light spot 26 curved side 28 flat side 30 first assembly 32 first housing 34 end of the first housing 36 end of the first housing 37 tongue 38 threaded hole 40 screw 42 through hole 44 electrical connection line 46 notch 48 clamp 50 active surface 52 recess 54 sealing ring 56 second assembly 58 second housing 60 threaded hole 62 set screw 64 groove 66 sealing ring 68 first receiving space 70 printed circuit board 72 light 73 first lens 74 lens 76 second receiving space 78 mount 79 lens tube 80 electrical connector 82 access control system 84 evaluation unit